Waldo Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch Friday, April 16, 1976
Add to My HeroesJohn H. "Sonny" Allen
Patrolmen Sonny Allen and Steven Poetker were killed when their vehicle was struck by a train at an unguarded crossing near Waldo.
The two were returning from the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in East Camden, Arkansas. They had just joined their department chief in a chase when the accident occurred. Patrolman Poetker had graduated from the academy at 1:00 pm, and the accident occurred shortly after 2:00 pm. The department only had three officers at the time of their deaths.
Patrolman Allen had served with the Waldo Police Department for one year.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 1 year
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Struck by train
Most Recent Reflection
View all 6 ReflectionsUncle you will never be forgotten. I was five years old when you passed and I will always remember you. God Bless.
Rev. Dr. James & LaToya Darrett
February 5, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths

Officer Miguel Cano
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: July 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason
Darlington County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: July 1, 2025

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: June 30, 2025

Police Officer Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: February 6, 2025

Supervisory Special Agent Dennis M. Wagner, Jr.
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 5, 2025

Police Officer Kendall Corder
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: June 29, 2025

Undersheriff Brandon Gaede
Phillips County Sheriff's Office, KS
EOW: June 27, 2025

Sergeant Shiou Deng
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: June 23, 2025

Lieutenant Eddie Mays
Bernie Police Department, MO
EOW: June 5, 2025